Here at Fairview Sailing, we know how important it is to spend quality time together as a family away from the normal surroundings that we have become used to, and what better way to do it than exploring the beautiful south coast – no sailing experience required!
We are very lucky to have some of the country’s most beautiful attractions on our doorstep, all of which are easily accessible from our base in Port Hamble. Take a look at some of the things you could do…
Get away from familiar surroundings and stay on a floating hotel
If you’re looking to do something a little different with you family, why not consider heading down to the south coast for a few days on the water, where you can take advantage of unusual surroundings, stunning scenery and become at one with nature – even if you can’t sail! We can offer stays for you and your family from one night to one week onboard one of our yachts so you can hop on and off your floating hotel at your leisure.
All of our yachts are located at our base in the pretty village of Hamble, a short distance from Southampton. From here, you can expect fascinating scenery, from beautiful natural countryside to historic warships, so even if you can’t sail and are just looking for a change of scenery, we can help!
If you and your family are into your cycling, bring your bikes with you and set out along some of the beautiful cycle paths dotted along the coast. Head out along Solent Way and get your daily exercise while taking in some of the country’s most beautiful sites.
Keep the kids entertained for hours and enjoy a spot of fishing over the side of your ‘boatel’ while in the marina where you can catch some mullet or head ashore and make your way down to the rocks and try your hand at crabbing – just mind their claws!
Sail the Solent with your family
If you’re coming to sail, the protected waters provide a special sailing experience, suitable for both novices and experienced sailors, and as such, are a popular choice for first timers and returning guests year after year.
As well as enjoying some of the coast’s most famous landmarks, you can just spend the day enjoying the world’s largest swimming pool, where it’s not just the kids who can play around! Walk the plank (so to speak!), enjoy afternoon tea and spend the afternoon with your feet dangling in the water and the wind in your hair.
For those looking to explore the south coast, head out along the coast and pass the formidable ships located in Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard, where you don’t have to go ashore and to enjoy the views and can marvel at Nelson’s flagship, HMS Victory from the deck of your yacht. Sail past the Spinnaker Tower and see some of our current Royal Navy fleet in dock including Destroyer and Frigate class ships.
Head over towards the Isle of Wight and challenge yourself and your family and take part in your very own Round the Island race, sailing from Cowes around the island, where you’ll be in a great position to stop and take a moment to marvel at the stunning Needles and other beautiful landmarks dotted along the coastline.
For more inspiration, take a look at some of our other blogs.
Related article: A complete guide to sailing on the Solent
Hire a RIB and explore the south coast
If sailing on a yacht isn’t your thing, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the south coast by water. Head off from our base at Port Hamble Marina on our RIB and enjoy blasting around the Solent on an adventure the kids will love. We have a Zodiac Open 7M RIB available for you and your family to enjoy*.
Wherever you choose to sail to, we can guarantee your day on our powerboat will be an exhilarating experience for all.
* RYA Level Two Powerboat required
Learn to sail with Fairview Sailing
Whether you can already sail and want your children to learn or are looking for a day learning the basics for all the family, Fairview Sailing will be able to help. All of our skippers are highly experienced and are great with sharing their knowledge with others.
Hop on board where you’ll be given an introduction to your yacht, before setting off on the Solent for a day’s sailing. Learn how to tie knots, raise the sails and understand what nautical terms such as ‘port, starboard, gib line and spinnaker’ mean, while spending some quality time together as a family. Once you’ve enjoyed your day, it may be time to enroll on an RYA start yachting or competent crew course. Speak to us about arranging this for you and your family.
Visit some of the south coast’s hottest spots!
We are lucky to have some of the country’s most wonderful visitor attractions here on our doorstep, from historical landmarks such as the Needles National Park and wartime wonders including HMS Victory and the Mary Rose at Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard. If your post lockdown wardrobe needs attention, Gunwharf Quays offers some of the best designer shopping in the UK.
Find out more
To find out more about joining us for both sailing and non-sailing this half-term getaways, call us today on 02380 457023 or email info@35.178.158.241
